2

nights

Heraklion

Crete's largest city, Heraklion remains best known for its proximity to a sprawling Bronze Age archaeological site, once the center of a vanished Minoan civilization.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Sat): explore the ancient world of The Palace of Knossos, do a tasting at Winery Stilianou, and then explore the world behind art at Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take an in-depth tour of Historical Museum of Crete, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Stalis Beach, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kera Kardiotissa Monastery.

Washington DC, USA to Heraklion is an approximately 22.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Washington DC to Heraklion is 7 hours. In May, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 60°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Mon) so you can catch the ferry to Fira.

5

nights

Fira

Fira, the busy capital of Santorini, sits on the very edge of a volcanic caldera.

Let the collections at Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos and Ernesto Workshop & Gallery capture your imagination. Get some historical perspective at Akrotiri LightHouse and Byzantine Castle Ruins. And it doesn't end there: kick back and relax at Perivolos, stroll through Red Beach, add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, and awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area.

To find reviews, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Fira itinerary maker.

You can ride a ferry from Heraklion to Fira in 2 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Fira can reach 74°F, while at night they dip to 63°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sat) early enough to travel to Chania Town.

2

nights

Chania Town

The place where Cretan and Venetian cultures merged in the 13th century, Chania Town attracts throngs of tourists with its well-preserved medieval harbor.

Get a sense of the local culture at Manousakis Winery and Olive Tree Museum of Vouves. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Kalathas Beach and Safaris. There's much more to do: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Venetian Harbor, explore the different monuments and memorials at German War Cemetery, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada), and see the interesting displays at Greek National Football Museum.

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Fira to Chania Town takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. In May, daily temperatures in Chania Town can reach 76°F, while at night they dip to 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.